How to Fix Cracks in Window Casings

Related Articles

Houses can move and settle over time, causing unsightly cracks and gaps to appear in the window casings. Air leaks caused by these cracks could be costing you a substantial amount of money in energy costs. You can seal the cracks quickly and inexpensively with a tube of caulk and a caulking gun, giving your windows a more aesthetically pleasing look and possibly saving you big bucks on future energy bills.

Cracks In Seams

1

Apply a mildewcide cleaner to any mildewed areas and allow it to penetrate. Wash the window casings with a degreasing cleaner to remove dirt, mildew and greasy residue.

2

Push foam backer rod into every crack wider than one-fourth inch, using a putty knife.

3

Cut the tip on a tube of latex waterproof caulk at a 45-degree angle, using the cutting tool on a caulking gun. Insert the tube into the caulking gun and push the plunger forward until it touches the tube.

4

Apply a smooth bead of waterproof caulk to every crack in the window casings. Place the tip of the tube at the beginning of the crack and slowly squeeze the trigger of the gun to start the flow of caulk. Steadily move the tip along the crack to fill it with a smooth bead of caulk. Caulk about 2 feet and stop to smooth the bead with your finger. Wipe excess caulk with a damp cloth.

5

Resume caulking and repeat the procedure until every crack in the casings has been sealed. Allow the caulk to dry completely and inspect it for areas where the caulk may have retracted on drying. Apply more caulk to retracted areas and allow the caulk to dry completely.

Cracks In The Body of Window Casings

1

Remove any flaking paint with a putty knife. Sand the area smooth, using a fine-grit sanding pad, and wipe the sanding dust with a clean, damp cloth.

2

Scoop out a portion of epoxy filler, using the edge of the putty knife. Place the filler on a plate or a piece of cardboard and mix it together with the hardener, per the manufacturer's instructions. Use the putty knife to blend the mixture.

3

Apply a smooth layer of the blended filler to the cracks, using the putty knife. Press the epoxy down into the cracks, filling them completely. Apply another thin layer of epoxy over the cracks but leave a slight overfill for sanding. Allow the filler to cure for the amount of time recommended by the manufacturer.

4

Sand the filler smooth to the surface, using the fine-grit sanding pad. Wipe the sanding dust with a clean, damp cloth.

5

Apply primer to the patched areas and paint them to match the color of the window casings.

Things You Will Need

Mildewcide cleaner

Degreaser

Foam backer rod

Latex waterproof caulk

Caulking gun

Cloths

Putty knife

Fine-grit sanding pad

Epoxy filler with hardener

Primer

Paint

Tips

Use a mixture of 1 part bleach to 3 parts water to treat mildew.

Use scissors to cut the caulk tube if the caulking gun is void of a cutting tool.

About the Author

Mona Culberson began working on the assembly line at a large manufacturing company in 1983, where she worked her way up into several positions of business responsibility. In 2005, she began a career in roofing, interior design and remodeling. She works daily as a professional painter/home remodeler/handywoman while lending her husband's roofing business a helping hand in her spare time.